Deborah Marlene Matthews Stinson was the third of four children born to the late Riley L. and Willa Mae Matthews. Their nurturing and loving guidance instilled in her a love of God. She was baptized at an early age at St. John AME Zion Church, later trans- ferring her membership to Allen Temple AME Church where she worshiped and served faithfully until her passing. She especially dedicated her heart to the ExCel Club, the Ministry in Motion, Temple Blessings Food Pantry and The Sistahood. Deborah found great joy in serving others.
A product of the Cincinnati Public School System, Deborah received a Bachelor’s of Arts from Kentucky State University and earned her Masters in Education at Southern Illinois University. She obtained addi- tional educational certifications from The Ohio State University and Miami University. While attending Kentucky State University, she joined the illustrious Beta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Deborah began her teaching career in 1971 in the Princeton City Schools District. She dedicated more than 35 years to teaching reading and to the super- vision of the yearbook committee and cheerleading until retiring in 2006.
Her interests included reading and tutoring. Among her favorite authors was Danielle Steel. Through her love for literature, she encouraged all children to read and many times could be found tutoring and reading to the neighborhood and beyond. Deborah’s love for the arts also extended to the theatre. She seasonally attended productions at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Aronoff Center and Music Hall.
Deborah leaves to cherish her memory: one son, Ty Alexander Stinson; one daughter, Talia Adell Stin- son of Philadelphia, PA; one beloved granddaughter, Taiela Saja Stinson; three sisters, Jacqueline A. Goodwin (Jerome), Andrea Y. Johnson and Regina G. Matthews. She is also survived by four nieces, Tanya and Cheree Goodwin, Yvette Sylla (Silima) and Rilynne L. Johnson; a nephew, Rev. Peter E. Matthews (Pamela); as well as a host of many other relatives and friends.